Everybody’s favourite long roof from Porsche has now been given the hybrid treatment and is now dubbed the 2018Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo. It had recently been given an additional 136-horsepower electric motor like that of the standard Panamera E-Hybrid Turbo. It’s combined to an already powerful 4.0 liter biturbo V8 with as much as 550 horsepower. Overall, it now produces a combined output of 680 horsepower, making it the most powerful long roof out there. Let us not refer to it as a wagon or an estate since Porsche refuses to call it that. Rather, it’s referred to as the Sport Turismo.

With regards to the efficiency of the 918 hypercar’s hybrid powertrain that has been used here, it is apparently on par with the 3.0 liter version of the Panamera even if it has way more power. What makes it even more impressive is the fact that you can drive this model for as far as 31 miles on a rate of 87 miles per hour without having to use a drop of gasoline. But depending on the type of connection being used, the charging time may vary from 2.4 to 6 hours.

According to the automaker, the hybrid Sport Turismo will be able to hit 60 miles per hour in only 3.4 seconds. To be honest, it doesn’t take as fast for many people to say the full name of the car. What may be a little confusing is the fact that the automaker lists the same acceleration figure for the regular Turbo S Sport Turismo. That’s because a downside of the hybrid powertrain is that it adds considerable weight to the unit.

Ford Motor Co.’s Explorer family of sports utility vehicles has just been expanded with the arrival of two new models. The base, XLT, Limited and Platinum models of the Explorer are welcoming their newest family members – the Explorer ST and the Explorer Hybrid. All of these models are built at the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant.

The new Ford Explorer Hybrid is the first dedicated hybrid model in the Explorer family. It is powered by a 3.3-liter hybrid powertrain that is expected to deliver 318 hp of total system output, which is sent to the rear wheels of the Explorer Hybrid. Ford is aiming to make the Explorer Hybrid capable of returning more than 500 miles of range before having to refuel.

Furthering the capability of the hybrid powertrain of the new Ford Explorer Hybrid is an all-new 10-speed modular hybrid transmission as well as a liquid-cooled, lithium-ion battery. Since the battery is built into the chassis just below the second-row seats, the cargo and passenger room of the Explorer Hybrid remains the same as it conventionally powered siblings.

The only hybrids that automotive customers can get now from Porsche are its Panamera four-door saloon and its Cayenne sports utility vehicle. While the German sports car maker has confirmed that it would build a hybrid version of the Porsche 911 sports car, that won't happen in the near term. For those who can’t wait for Porsche to offer a 911 hybrid, Vonnen Performance is offering to convert your sports car into one.

Porsche’s main reason for not offering a hybrid version of the 911 is that the German company still doesn’t believe that the current battery technology is on par with its expectations for its venerated sports car. But with the rapid pace that the battery technology is growing, that could happen in the next few years. Porsche chief executive Oliver Blume had said that a 911 hybrid may arrive on the mid-cycle refresh of the 992 generation, which should happen by around 2022 or so.

Because Porsche won't do a 911 hybrid now, Vonnen Performance is offering to do so for 911 models built between 2012 and 2016. This also applies for other Porsche offerings currently not having a hybrid version, like the Boxster and the Cayman. The conversion kit and the entire setup would cost a Porsche owner around $75,000.

Honda is moving forward with its electrification plans in Europe after unveiling the production-ready version of the new 2019 Honda CR-V Hybrid at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. It was part of a number of creations that the Japanese carmaker is displaying in Paris, including the refreshed Honda HR-V SUV, and a specially-commissioned Civic Type R ‘Art Car’.

In September 2017, Honda took the wraps off a near-production Euros-spec prototype of the CR-V Hybrid at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, with plans to sell the production version exclusively in Europe. By then, it was believed that the Euro-spec CR-V Hybrid will be the replacement for the 160hp i-DTEC diesel version of the SUV, as part of the carmaker’s answer to the regulations affecting the market of diesel engines.

Back then, Honda was tight-lipped about the technical details of the prototype. The carmaker only revealed that its electrified powertrain will feature an electric motor and a 2.0-liter four cylinder i-Vtec gasoline engine.

Before we saw the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe make its debut, it was previewed by a concept that’s even crazier with a biturbocharged 4.0 liter hybrid V8 that brings out as much as 805 horsepower (600 kilowatts). Now, the good news here is that we could see the same engine in the AMG vehicle down the line, but the bad news is that this engine didn’t get carried over to the final production model.

During an interview between Mercedes boss, Tobias Moers and Digital Trends, it was confirmed that the hybrid V8 engine will go into production “one day”. However, he did not say which particular model will get the said engine. However, he promised that engineers have been working on a production version.

Moers even brought up the GT concept that came out in Geneva last year. That particular model had a V8 engine in the front and an electric motor on the rear axle. He then added that everything here is in development and that the said model will go into production one day.

A two-door version of the Alfa RomeoGiulia has been making a lot of noise around the web for quite some time now. And now, new reports from Autocar have been going around that a coupe variant of the Giulia is actually in the process of development, though there haven’t been spy shots to prove this. Apparently, rumours come from an inside source close to Alfa Romeo, and the model’s official release is supposedly scheduled late this year before it hits the market in 2019.

The Giulia Coupe is said to carry the “Sprint” or “GTV” badge, and is meant to be a more powerful version of the Giulia Quadrifoglio sedan. It will inherit some of the body panels at the front half, except with a different nose to separate it from its four door sibling.

Needless to say, a more sloped roofline suitable for a coupe is being worked on, together with longer doors and a refreshed rear. According to our source, the Giulia Coupe’s rear end will have a trunk like the BMW 4 Series, Mercedes C Class, and Audi A5 coupes. But further rumours suggest that there might also be a five-door version that the automaker is looking into, to go after the 4 Series Gran Coupe and the A5 Sportback.

Lamborghini has made it a point for its future vehicles to have the same renowned exhaust note. That is why the automaker has put the focus on hybrids instead of going full throttle on building fully electric vehicles. Hybrids are perfect because they reduce dangerous emissions but customers and onlookers alike still get to enjoy the sound of its powerplant.

In an interview between CarAdvice and Maurizio Reggiani, Lamborghini’s Chief Technical Officer, we learned that the automaker looks at hybrid machines as the answer to carbon dioxide requirements. With a hybrid, they’re able to keep the natural aspirated appeal but reduce the CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.

Reggiani also mentioned that the future Aventador and Huracan will still retain their naturally aspirated engine, but it is not impossible for them to have hybrid assistance. The chief technical officer believes that this will have two major advantages: a better throttle response and the fact that it will provide a differentiating factor over turbocharged, supercar competitors like Ferrari and McLaren cars.

The Panamera Sport Turismo is already an impressive car but German Tuner Techart and the Porsche specialists within the company plan to debut a special GrandGT kit for the upcoming 2018 Geneva Motor Show that is bound to enhance its appeal. After the upgrade called the GrandGT Supreme, the wagon now features an aggressive body and an opulent cabin.

Like the standard GrandGT kit, the version has a front bumper design similar to it but it comes with a hood that has a huge power bulge. The wagon now has a wider stance, thanks to the wider fenders and lower side sills. There are larger diffusers in the back that gain even larger strakes than the existing body kit. This wagon sits on new Techart Formula IV wheels, with five sets of double spokes, measuring at 22 inches.

To match the meaner look of this Sport Turismo, Techart can offer you a powertrain upgrade as well. The company’s engine upgrade can push the Panamera Turbo to have an output of 630 horsepower (470 kilowatts) and 664 pound feet (900 Newton metres) of torque. That is a lot more compared to the stock output of 550 horsepower (410 kilowatts) and 567 pound feet (769 Newton metres) of torque.

Hyundai wanted to ensure that it doesn’t get left out in the hybridized vehicle game in the United States, and it just took the needed steps by unveiling the extensively redesigned 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show.

The redesigned elements on the new 2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Sonata PHEV are meant not just to make them more appealing to customers in the United States, but also to complement and optimize the efficiency of their powertrains.

Both the new Sonata Hybrid and Sonata PHEV are fitted with the South Korean carmaker’s 2.0-liter Nu GDI four-cylinder engine that delivers 154 hp of output and 140 lb- ft. of torque, as coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission, as well as an electric motor. However, these Sonata models differ in terms of drivetrain implementation and battery capacity.

For those who are expecting to see the mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette at the 2018 North American International Auto Show, we have got some bad news for you as it seems like the model will not be making its debut there, even after all the CAD drawings that we saw earlier.

Hagerty first said that the C8 will make its debut in Detroit, but this model will not make its debut until next year. And we really are not surprised because Chevrolet recently just unveiled the Corvette ZR1, but not a lot of people are happy with it.

Despite the bad news, we also have a good one too, and this will definitely not disappoint any of you. That is because Hagerty just reported that the C8 will be offered in a better engine lineup, and that means a better version of the company’s 6.2 liter LT1 V8 engine. The engine will enable the car to produce as much as 600 horsepower (447 kilowatts), thanks to a higher compression ratio and less restrictive exhaust. Alongside this engine would be other ones that will be added to the lineup later on. This may include a V8 like that in the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350.

In the second quarter of 2017, Manfred Fitzgerald, boss of Genesis, denied any plans to build a halo sports car. Instead, he said that what the brand will concentrate on is to provide what majority of its customers want.

But without any notice, it seems like the guys from the premium South Korean automaker have changed their minds sometime last year. In fact, two executives from Hyundai confirmed that a new Genesis nameplate is already in the works. It’s possible that the clamor from the fans of Genesis was so deafening that the brand had no choice but to give in.

It was Luc Donckerwolke, vice president of Hyundai, and Woong-chul Yang, vice chairman or research and development, who confirmed the existence of this project to WheelsMagazine. They hinted that the vehicle will likely have two seats, and will be powered by a hybrid system. He mentioned that the key ingredient to the vehicle’s success would be the performance that it gains from its batteries and electric motors working together.

The new BMW 740e iPerformance certainly has an edge with the luxury it offers as well as the fuel efficiency it gives. However, those who are already thinking of buying one may want to wait a bit as the 2019 model year of the sedan comes with a handful of major upgrades.

According to BMW Blog, their sources told them that the upcoming 740e iPerformance will have a 2.0 liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine, together with batteries with a higher energy density and a new electric motor. Though there haven’t been any valid specifications yet, reports say that the model will produce around 390 horsepower (290 kilowatts), while also having a longer electric-only range.

Similar to the 530 iPerformance, the updated model will likely have a wireless charging system. Its name could also be changed to 745e iPerformance.

During the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show in late October and early November, Subaru unveiled the Viziv Performance Concept. Described by the carmaker a sports sedan that builds on its race as well as on its rally heritage, the attention-grabbing Viziv Performance Concept provides a glimpse into the next generation of the Subaru WRX. Now, it seems the next-generation Subaru WRX would be heavily influenced by the design of the Viziv Performance concept.

As revealed by company design chief Mamoru Ishii to British auto magazine Autocar, Subaru is expected to release the next-generation WRX sports sedan in 2020. Ishii noted that when the Japanese carmaker unveiled the Viziv Performance at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, the concept received very positive feedback. Thanks to the affirmative response gained by the concept, Subaru decided to transfer many of its design and styling cues to the next-gen WRX, Ishii added. This means customers could expect a number of similarities between the Viziv Performance concept and the next generation of the WRX sports sedan when the latter is launched to the market by the end of the decade.

The Viziv Performance concept is gifted with an aggressive yet elegant front end. Its decidedly aggressive front grille, taut body shape, sporty bonnet scoop and angular wheel arches as well as flared front fenders and sleekly sculpted waist all point to the kind of performance the concept might offer while pointing to Subaru’s “Dynamic x Solid” design direction. Overall, the Viziv Performance concept features a geometrical shape that would really look great when carried to the new Subaru concept. As Ishii remarked, these design elements would allow the next-gen Subaru WRX to look fast even when at a standstill.

Green Car Reports recently reported that Ford North America has just stopped producing its C-Max Energi. While speaking with Dan Jones, Ford North America’s Communications Mgr., it has been confirmed that the electric version of the C-Max has bowed out of the assembly lines while its hybrid version is expected to come next in the following year.

The recent decision could be due to the C-Max series’ unfulfilled sales expectations. Ford has only delivered a total of 40,690 C-Max Energi plug-in hybrids from October 2012 up to the end of October this year. For a while now, it has also been wildly anticipated that Ford will soon be replacing it with some new models. Given that the company has just started testing its new Ford Escape Energi plugins as well as the expected arrival of the new Ford Focus Energi, the C-Max Energi’s production course has inevitably ended.

For one, The C-Max Energi has never been as popular in the US market. Despite selling a total of 2,374 units in 2012 followed by 7,154 in 2013 and 8,433 in 2014, the sales volume never really took off as much as the Tesla Model S or Nissan LEAF or Toyota Prius or even Chevy’s Volt and Bolt EVs. Even so, Ford has sold as many as 7,591 C-Max plugins in 2015, 7,957 in 2016 and 7,181 in 2017 and has stayed consistently among the top ten hybrid models in the country. Ford only has one remaining plug-in hybrid model under its portfolio and that is the Ford Fusion Energi with the same powertrain.

It was in February 2016 when we first saw the actual BMW 740e, and rumours quickly spread that it will have a short life cycle. But sources now say that the plug-in hybrid fullsize sedan will retire next year to give way to a new 745e. In fact, this model was just at the 2017 SEMA Show to display a wide range of M Performance parts. Hopefully, there will be a more powerful model and there will be an electric car with more range. However, so far there has been no confirmation.

Currently, the outgoing 740e comes with a turbocharged 2.0 liter four cylinder engine that produces 255 horsepower. It is then paired with an electric motor with another 111 horsepower. Overall, the electrified 7 Series can carry out a total of 322 horsepower and 369 pound-feet (500 Newton metres) of torque. When combined with the engine, the 740e develops a peak torque at 1,250 rpm. In only 5.1 seconds, the 740e can accelerate to 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) before hitting its maximum speed of 130 miles per hour (209 kilometers per hour).

While we don’t expect dramatic changes, we’re excited to see what the new 745e has to offer. But what we would really like to improve is the current electric range of just 14 miles provided by the 9.2 kilowatt hour lithium ion battery pack that is recharged via a standard J1772 3.7 kW plug. We anticipate that extending the range will really drum up sales for the series.

While many believe electric mobility is the future, it is still uncertain how far or near we really are into making the transition --- but that may change real soon.

Insiders reveal in a recent report by Autocar that Volkswagen Group is taking the steps to make this happen at the earliest time possible. How? It seeks to become the leading promoter of e-mobility in the market. It is said that Volkswagen Group wishes to launch about 30 EVs by 2025, but prior to that, the German marque will be promoting a number of gasoline-electric hybrids under its sub-brands. It’s expected to comprise several SUVs and two electrified hatchbacks.

In a bid to win the hearts of car enthusiasts, Volkswagen AG’s marketing people thought the hybrid hatches hold the key to letting everyone come aboard the electrified future. This could be achieved by means of spreading the word about electric technologies among fellow customers. Well, hot hybrid hatchbacks can be a lot of fun you know.

Maserati’s current focus is on developing a new model that is far from what people have been anticipating - the new GranTurismo and the production version of the Alfieri.

This is because today’s trend is leaning towards SUVs more than sedans and other types of vehicles, and parent company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is aware of that. This is why Sergio Marchionne announced that a Maserati SUV will be available in the market by 2020.

The still unnamed SUV will be positioned just below the Ghibli-based Levante, and it will be riding on the same Giorgio rear-wheel drive / all-wheel drive platform like that of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, but with a major difference. Marchionne also mentioned that the new Maserati SUV might be receiving a unique powertrain, but he did not give any more details after. We are also aware that the company will soon be electrifying all their models, starting in 2019. Therefore, it is likely that the Maserati SUV will also be offered with a hybrid setup.

After the highly dynamic Polestar 1 two-door coupe – Polestar’s first ever production car -- was recently unveiled, not a few people’s curiosity was piqued as to how much they should shell out to purchase a unit of this 600-hp four-seater hybrid coupe. Sorry to say, but Polestar isn't planning to sell its first production model in a conventional manner. Not yet at least.

According to Polestar’s plan, customers could get hold of its Polestar 1 performance coupe only through its subscription plan. This means that no one will be able to buy the Polestar 1 coupe, but instead they have to become subscribers to the company’s plan. The subscription plan is good for two to three years. Once the subscription period has expired, a subscriber has to return the Polestar 1 to the company, or its representatives would knock on his or garage to pick up the performance coupe.

As for the returned model, it would be refurbished to return it to its near-pristine state, and would then be made available as a pre-owned model also through a subscription plan.

After months of dropping online teasers, Polestar finally reveals its very first production car virtually. The Polestar 1 is a two-door coupe that gets its design inspiration from the 2013 Volvo Concept Coupe. It then shares an SPA platform that underpins the “90” series cars and the newest XC60. As for the hardware, half of it is derived from Volvo’s SPA, while the other half represents the partnership between Polestar and Volvo that’s made specially for this new product.

Therefore, the Polestar 1 is more than just a coupe version of the S90 Sedan, considering the fact that the four-seater has to step up its game when it comes to the powertrain. Having said that, its hybrid setup gives out an impressive 600 horsepower and 737 pound-feet (1,000 Newton metres) of torque.

Besides that, it comes with a battery pack that can let the Polestar 1 reach 93 miles (150 kilometers). The automaker claims that in terms of range, the sporty coupe can perform better compared to any production hybrid out there. This is also because the coupe’s body is made entirely of carbon fiber, therefore cutting down a lot of its weight, while improving torsional stiffness by 45 percent. There is an electric axle between the rear wheels with torque vectoring capabilities for more power and precise handling.

The Porsche Panamera sporty sedan offers a dynamic drive and comfortable ride, with the capability to accommodate up to four occupants. While the Porsche Panamera is a healthy proposition for North American drivers who wanted a performance-laden sedan, it does discourage potential customers looking for a sedan that could to ferry up to five occupants at a time.

Now Porsche is looking forward to win back those customers in the United States. Klaus Zellmer, chief executive of Porsche Cars North America, told Automotive News at the Frankfurt Motor Show that the German sports car maker is making available an optional rear bench. With this option, the Porsche Panamera sedan could accommodate five occupants, instead of the usual four. However, the bench option would be made available next year, so for now, Panamera sedan customers would have to settle for the four-seater.

As designed, the Porsche Panamera sedan carries two occupants on the front (driver and front passenger) and another two on the rear cabin (individually seated rear passengers). The individual seats on the front are separated by a center console, and so are the individual seats on the rear. This basically rules out the existence of a fifth passenger in the Panamera sedan.